Portable heating system and method for pest control

ABSTRACT

A method for killing pests in an affected area of a structure, comprises positioning a heat pump unit within an affected area of the structure, coupling a first end of an inlet hose to a faucet, and coupling a second end of the inlet hose to an inlet port of the heat pump unit. The inlet port supplies a flow of water received from the faucet to an evaporator component of the heat pump unit. The evaporator component transfers heat from the flow of water to a refrigerant and communicate the refrigerant to a condenser component of the heat pump unit. The condenser component generates heated air by transferring heat from the refrigerant fluid to air flowing through the condenser component. The heated air i emitted into the affected area in order to raise the temperature of the affected area to a target temperature greater than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/168,432filed Jan. 30, 2014 entitled “Portable Heating System and Method forPest Control,” which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/013,560, filed Jan. 25, 2011, entitled “Portable Heating System andMethod for Pest Control,” which is now U.S. Pat. No. 8,720,109, issuedMay 13, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to pest control and more particularlyto a portable heating system and method for killing bed bugs in anaffected area.

BACKGROUND

It is not uncommon for pests such as bed bugs and other insects toinfest structures or other areas that are also inhabited or otherwiseused by humans. This is particularly true in enclosed spaces that arelocated within certain climates and/or enclosed spaces that arefrequented by the public. The insects, which generally hide during theday, emerge from cracks and crevices at night to feast on human bloodwhile the human inhabitants are asleep. For example, hotels may becomeinfested with bed bugs or other pests when those insects are brought inby overnight guests. The problem is not isolated to hotels that serviceover night visitors, however. Other spaces that may become infestedinclude office and commercial buildings, private dwellings, andvehicles. Accordingly, the need exists for effective and efficientsystems and methods for killing bed bugs and other pests within anenclosed area. Systems and methods for killing bed bugs and other pests,however, have proven inadequate in various respects.

SUMMARY

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, disadvantages andproblems associated with previous systems for killing pests such as bedbugs in an affected area may be reduced or eliminated.

In certain embodiments, a system for killing pests in an affected areaincludes a heat exchanger unit and an electric heater. The heatexchanger unit is placed within the affected area and is coupled to afaucet. The heat exchanger unit is configured to receive a flow of waterfrom the faucet and to emit heated air by transferring heat from theflow of water to air flowing through the heat exchanger unit. Theelectric heater further heats the air emitted by the heat exchanger unitto a target temperature greater than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Particular embodiments of the present disclosure may provide one or moretechnical advantages. For example, the temperature within an affectedarea may be elevated to a temperature suitable for killing bed bugs andother pests without causing damage to the structure or its contents. Inparticular, the temperature of an affected area may be thoroughly anduniformly heated to a temperature that is greater than 120 degreesFahrenheit. Such a temperature has been shown to be effective in killingbed bugs and other pests that have infested the area without causingdamage to the affected area or its contents.

In certain embodiments, all or a portion of the heat necessary toelevate the temperature of an affected area to a temperature suitablefor killing bed bugs and other pests may be extracted from water that isalready available to the affected area. For example, a flow of heatedwater may be supplied from a sink faucet, a shower faucet, a bathtubfaucet, or any other suitable source of heated water. Once heat has beenextracted from the flow of water, the flow of water may be directed toan available drain, such as a sink, bathtub, or toilet. Because all or aportion of the heat necessary to elevate the temperature of an affectedarea to a temperature suitable for killing bed bugs is extracted fromwater that is already available to the affected area, certainembodiments of the present disclosure may allow for heating of affectedareas for which alternative sources of heat are unavailable orinsufficient (e.g., high rise apartment buildings).

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include some, all, ornone of the above advantages. One or more other technical advantages maybe readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the figures,descriptions, and claims included herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To provide a more complete understanding of the present invention andthe features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system for pest control, according tocertain embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example heat exchanger unit for use in conjunctionwith the system depicted in FIG. 1, according to certain embodiments ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example method for pest control, according tocertain embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example heat pump system for pest control,according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example heat pump unit for use in conjunction withthe heat pump system depicted in FIG. 4, according to certainembodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 illustrates an example heat pump method for pest control,according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 for pest control, according tocertain embodiments of the present disclosure. In general, system 100includes equipment and components for heating at least a portion of anaffected area 102 and its contents to a temperature sufficient to killbed bugs and other insects that may have infested the affected area 102.For example, the temperature of affected area 102 may be increased to atemperature that is substantially equal to or greater than 120 degreesFahrenheit, in certain embodiments. The term “affected area” is intendedto include any enclosed space that may become infested with bed bugs orother insects or pests. In certain embodiments, affected area 102 mayinclude a building or structure. For example, affected area 102 mayinclude a hotel, an office space, a commercial building, or a privatedwelling such as a house or apartment building. In other embodiments,affected area 102 may include a portion of a building or structure. Forexample, affected area 102 may include a room in a hotel, an officewithin an office building, a room within a house, or an apartment within an apartment building. However, affected area 102 is not limited to abuilding or structure or portion thereof. Likewise, affected area 102may include any area requiring treatment for bed bugs or other pestswhether that area is interior to or exterior to a building or otherstructure. Affected area 102 may be considered an acute infestation sitewhere there has been visual confirmation of a nesting area of bedbugs orother insects, or where a trained scent detection dog has alerted to thepresence of bedbugs. Generally, a nesting area may include several todozens of bed bugs.

Although a minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit may besufficient to kill bed bugs and other insects, in some circumstances, itmay be desirable to heat the air to a higher temperature. For example,heating the ambient air within affected area 102 to only the minimumtemperature may be insufficient to ensure that all contents withinaffected area 102 are adequately and thoroughly heated throughout to theminimum temperature. Accordingly, in a particular embodiment, thetemperature of affected area 102 may be further increased to ensure thathard-to-heat areas and the contents of these areas are thoroughly heatedto the minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. In such anembodiment, the temperature of affected area 102 may be increased to atarget temperature of at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Heating theambient air to a temperature of 140 degrees or greater may more readilyensure that the entirety of affected area 102 and all of its contentsare thoroughly heated to at least the minimum temperature of 120 degreesFahrenheit that is required to effectively treat the affected area forbed bugs.

Generally, a faucet 104 provides a supply of water 105 that is used as aheat source. The faucet 104 may be within affected area 102 or may beexternal to affected area 102. The hot water 105 may be transported fromfaucet 104 via one or more tubes or hoses to a heat exchanger unit 106within the affected area 102. Heat exchanger unit 106 may transfer theheat from water 105 to the ambient air. Heated air 108 may be emitted toan electric heater 110 that operates to amplify the heat. An air mover112 may then used to circulate the heated air 108 within affected area102. Water 105 from the heat exchanger unit may be transported to adrain such as a bathtub, toilet, sink, or in floor drain. As will bedescribed in more detail below, faucet 104, heat exchanger unit 106,electric heater 110, air mover 112, and water 105 received by thesecomponents may cooperate to heat affected area 102 to a targettemperature that is sufficient to kill pests such as bed bugs and otherinsects.

In certain embodiments, faucet 104 is a preexisting water source withinaffected area 102. For example, faucet 104 may include a conventionalfaucet such as a sink faucet, a shower faucet, a bathtub faucet, or anyother suitable source of heated water. In other embodiments, faucet 104may be a water source external to but proximate to affected area 102.During the treatment of affected area 102, faucet 104 may be turned onsuch that water 105 is continuously provided to heat exchanger unit 106.Faucet 104 may be turned or otherwise set such that (1) faucet 104provides the water 105 at the highest possible temperature, and/or (2)faucet 104 provides water 105 at a maximum possible flow rate.

In certain embodiments, water may be supplied to faucet 104 from a waterheating unit, such as water heater or boiler, within a building or otherstructure, the water heating unit being set to heat the supplied waterto a temperature that is comfortable for occupants. For example, thewater heating unit may be set to a temperature of approximately 120-130degrees Fahrenheit. Water heated to a temperature within this range maybe easily tolerated by occupants of the building or other structure.Accordingly, where water is provided to the faucet 104 from a waterheating unit that is set to a temperature of approximately 120-130degrees Fahrenheit, faucet 104 may provide water 105 to heat exchangerunit 106 at like temperatures. In a particular embodiment, faucet 104may provide water 105 to heat exchanger unit 106 at a temperature ofapproximately 125 degrees Fahrenheit.

In other embodiments, the temperature of water 105 may be adjusted basedon the temperature to be achieved within affected area 102 during thetreatment process. For example, although an ambient air temperature ofapproximately 120 degrees Fahrenheit may be sufficient in the killing ofbed bugs and other insects, a higher temperature may be desired incertain instances. Accordingly, where the structure can be vacated ofall occupants or where all occupants can be directed not to use thewater provided to the area, the temperature setting of the water heatingunit within the structure or other area may be increased. For example,the temperature setting of the water heating unit may be set to atemperature that is substantially equal to or greater than 140 degreesFahrenheit. In such an embodiment, faucet 104 may provide water 105 toheat exchanger unit 106 at a temperature of at least 140 degreesFahrenheit.

A hose 114 may be used transport water 105 from faucet 104 to heatexchanger unit 106. Accordingly, a first end of hose 114 may couple tofaucet 104, and a second end of hose 114 may couple to heat exchangerunit 106. In certain embodiments, the respective ends of hose 114 may beconfigured or have an adapter that allows hose 114 to be easilyconnected to common plumbing fixtures. For example, hose 114 may includea quick-connect adapter having standard threaded plumbing connections toattach to the faucet 104 and the heat exchanger unit 106. The diameterof hose 114 may be selected to handle the volume of water supplied byfaucet 104 and for maintaining a desired fluid pressure within hose 114.For example, hose 114 may have a diameter within a range ofapproximately ¾ to 1 inch, in particular embodiments. It is generallyrecognized, however, hose 114 may be of any suitable diameter formaintaining the desired fluid pressure within system 100. Likewise, heatexchanger unit 106 may include an inlet port of any size andconfiguration to facilitate the coupling of hose 114 to heat exchangerunit 106.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example heat exchanger unit 106 for use inconjunction with the system 100 depicted in FIG. 1, according to certainembodiments. As depicted, heat exchanger unit 106 includes both a heatexchanger component 202 and a power fan 204, which may be powered by anelectric supply 116. Heat exchanger component 202 may include afluid-to-air heat exchanger or radiator that transfers thermal energyfrom fluid 105 to air that is blown through heat exchanger component 202by fan 204. In this manner, heat exchanger unit 106 may be used to heatthe ambient air in affected area 102 to the desired temperature. Whereheat exchanger unit 106 includes both a heat exchanger component 202 anda power fan 204, heat exchanger unit 106 may be referred to as a “fancoil.”

Specifically, and as discussed above, water 105 is received by heatexchanger unit 106 via supply line 114. The heated water 105 is receivedat a first temperature and is circulated through one or more tubes orpipes 206 in heat exchanger component 202. While water 105 is beingcirculated through pipe coil 206, for example, fan 204 is operated todraw in ambient air 208 from the area surrounding heat exchanger unit106. The air 208 may be drawn in through an opening 210 and may bereceived at a second temperature that is generally equal to thetemperature of the ambient air within affected area 102. As the air 208is blown across pipe coil 206 of heat exchanger component 202, the heatin water 105 conducts to the outer surface of pipe coil 206 and istransferred into the cooler ambient air 208. The difference in thetemperature between the heated water 105 at the first temperature andthe ambient air 208 at the second temperature may cause the temperatureof ambient air 208 to increase as it is blown over pipe coil 206 by fan204. The heated air 108 then exits heat exchanger unit 106 through anexit opening 214 and is pushed by fan 204 into affected area 102.

In certain embodiments, heat exchanger unit 106 may include a thermostat216 for controlling heat output. Thermostat 216 may operate to measurethe temperature of ambient air 208 as it is being received by heatexchanger unit 106. Thermostat 216 may also be used to selectivelycontrol fan 204 in response to the temperature of ambient air 208 as itis received by heat exchanger unit 106. Specifically, in certainembodiments, thermostat 216 may be set to cycle fan 204 off when thetemperature of air 208 being received exceeds an upper limit. Thermostat216 may also be set to cycle fan 204 on when the temperature of air 208being received dips below a lower limit. For example, where a targettemperature in the range of 135 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit is desired forthe killing of bed bugs within affected area 102, thermostat 216 may beset to cycle off fan 204 when the temperature of air 208 being receivedin opening 210 exceeds 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Thermostat 216 may bethen be set to cycle fan 204 on when the temperature of air 208 beingreceived in opening 210 dips below 135 degrees Fahrenheit.Alternatively, where a target temperature of approximately 140 degreesFahrenheit is desired, thermostat 216 may be set to cycle on fan 204when the temperature of the ambient air 208 being received by heatexchanger unit 106 is equal to or below 140 degrees Fahrenheit and cycleoff fan 204 when the temperature of ambient air 208 being received byheat exchanger unit 106 is above 140 degrees Fahrenheit. As will bedescribed in more detail below, an infrared and/or wireless thermometermay be used to verify that affected area 102 is thoroughly heated to thedesired temperature.

Because heat exchanger unit 106 operates to transfer heat from water 105to the ambient air in affected area 102, the air 108 being emitted byheat exchanger unit 106 is of a higher temperature than the air beingreceived by heat exchanger unit 106. In some embodiments, heat exchangerunit 106 may be sufficient by itself to thoroughly heat the affectedarea 102 to the target temperature. For example, where the temperatureof water 105 is substantially equal to or greater than 140 degreesFahrenheit, heat exchanger unit 106 may efficiently heat affected area102 to a target temperature that is greater than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.Even where the temperature of water 105 is less than 140 degreesFahrenheit, heat exchanger unit 106 may be sufficient to heat affectedarea 102 to the target temperature if allowed to run long enough.

In certain embodiments, however, it may be desirable to incorporate oneor more additional heat sources into system 100. Additional heat sourcesmay allow the target temperature to be achieved in a more efficient andmore timely manner. Returning to FIG. 1, system 100 is depicted asincluding an electric heater 110 as an additional heat source. Electricheater 110 may include any electrical appliance that converts electricalenergy into heat. In a particular embodiment, an electrical resistor orother electrical heating element may operate to convert the electricalenergy received from an electric supply 116 into heat energy. Electricsupply 116 may include one or more A/C electrical outlets. Accordingly,in certain embodiments, electric heater 110 may be configured to pluginto a standard 120V, 208V, 230V, or any other suitable electricaloutlet. Where multiple components of system 100 require electricity fromelectric supply 116, the components may be plugged into outlets ondifferent branch circuits. For example, heat exchanger unit 106 may beplugged into an outlet on one branch circuit while electric heater 110is plugged into an outlet on another branch circuit.

When included in system 100, electric heater 110 may operate to furtherincrease the temperature of air 108 emitted by heat exchanger unit 106.For example, electric heater 110 may be used to bring the temperature ofthe ambient air in affected area 102 up to the target temperature at afaster rate than in a system that has only a heat exchanger unit 106 asa heat source. Additionally or alternatively, where the temperature ofwater 105 is not high enough to effectively bring the temperature of theaffected area 102 to the target temperature, electric heater 110 mayoperate to “boost” or “amplify” the heated air emitted by heat exchangerunit 106. For example, where the temperature of water 105 is less than140 degrees Fahrenheit, in certain embodiments, electric heater 110 maybe used to for amplifying the heat emitted by heat exchanger unit 106 toallow the ambient air in the affected area 102 to be brought up to thetarget temperature.

In certain embodiments, the temperature of the air and/or water may bemonitored to prevent heat exchanger unit 106 becoming counterproductive. For example, as the temperature of the ambient air withinaffected area 102 surpasses the temperature of water 105 being receivedby heat exchanger unit 106, the operation of heat exchanger unit 106 mayactually become counterproductive. Specifically, since heat exchangerunit 106 operates to transfer heat from the hotter medium to the coolermedium, as the temperature of the air surpasses the temperature of fluid105, heat exchanger unit 106 may actually begin to transfer heat fromthe hotter air to water 105 rather than from the water 105 to the air asintended.

Accordingly, in certain embodiments, heat exchanger unit 106 may includea thermostatic control for monitoring the periodic, continual, oron-demand monitoring of the temperatures of water and/ or air beingreceived by heat exchanger unit 106. If the thermostatic control detectsthat the temperature of the ambient air is less than the temperature ofwater 105, the flow of water to heat exchanger unit 106 may bemaintained. However, where the thermostatic control detects that thetemperature of the ambient air has exceeded the temperature of water105, the flow of water to heat exchanger unit 106 may be stopped. Forexample, where the temperature of water 105 is 120 degrees Fahrenheit,the flow of water may be stopped when the temperature of the air withinaffected area exceeds 120 degrees Fahrenheit. In particular embodiments,a person responsible for performing the treatment may enter affectedarea 102 and turn off faucet 104 that is supplying water 105 to heatexchanger unit 106. Alternatively, heat exchanger unit 106 may include avalve that is automatically or manually closed to prevent the flow ofwater 105 to heat exchanger unit 106 when the temperature of the ambientair exceeds that of water 105.

In certain embodiments, affected area 102 may also include at least oneair mover 112 positioned proximate to heat exchanger unit 106 and/orelectric heater 110 for further distributing the heat emitted by heatexchanger unit 106 and/or electric heater 110. Air movers 112 mayinclude standard propeller type fans or any other suitable devices forproducing a current of air that may be used to circulate and preventrising of the air emitted by heat exchanger 106 and/or electric heater110.

In certain embodiments, the output side of air mover 112 may beconfigured to direct air toward hard to heat areas and/or contents ofaffected area 102. For example, affected area 102 may include anexterior wall, the outside of which may be exposed to cold outsidetemperatures. As a result, the exterior wall may be harder to heat thancertain other portions of affected area 102. An air mover 112 maytherefore be positioned to direct heated air toward the exterior wall inorder to more effectively heat the exterior wall.

In certain embodiments, the output side of air mover 112 may beconfigured to direct air output by air mover 112 along the floor ofaffected area 102 to further aid in the circulation of heated air andprevention of temperature stratification (as it is generally recognizedthat heated air 108 will rise as it exits heat exchanger unit 106 and/orelectric heater 110). For example, the configuration of output side ofair mover 112 may be such that the heated air is directed towards thebaseboards or floor of affected area 102. In certain embodiments, theoutput side of air mover 112 may include a modified circle that includeson elongated corner configured to direct air in a generally downwarddirection. An example of such an air mover may be that sold under thename Phoenix Axial Air Mover with FOCUS™ Technology or Quest Air AMS 30by Therma-Stor, L.L.C., which is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,331,759issued Marco A. Tejeda and assigned to Technologies Holdings Corp. ofHouston, Tex.

Although FIG. 1 depicts only a single air mover 112 as being included insystem 100, one or more additional air movers 112 may also beselectively positioned relative to heat exchanger 106, electric heater110, or another air mover 112 to promote the circulation of air throughaffected area 102 in a desired direction. For example, air movers 112may be positioned relative to heat exchanger unit 106 and/or electricheater 110 such that a clock-wise or counter-clockwise airflow patternis achieved through affected area 102. Additionally, one or more airmovers 112 may be positioned along walls and pointed in a direction tofurther facilitate the desired circulation pattern. One or more airmovers 112 may be positioned to promote circulation through closets orother hard-to-heat areas within affected area 102. For example, slidingcloset doors may be moved to a center position in the doorway. An airmover 112 may then be positioned to blow the heated air 108 into theopening on one side of the door and allowed to exhaust out the openingon the other side of the door.

As described above, hot water 105 may be transported to heat exchangerunit 106 and then through a pipe coil 206 (shown in FIG. 2). Asdescribed above, heat exchanger units 106 may receive the water 105 at atemperature that is greater than 120 degrees Fahrenheit, in certainembodiments. However, as heat exchanger unit 106 transfers the thermalenergy in water 105 to air 208 that is received by heat exchanger unit106, the temperature of water 105 may decrease. For example, thetemperature of water 105 may decrease approximately 10 degrees as thefluid passes through heat exchanger unit 106. Accordingly, where water105 is received by heat exchanger unit 106 at a temperature on the orderof 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit, water 105 may exit heat exchanger unit106 at a temperature on the order of approximately 110 to 120 degreesFahrenheit. As another example, where water 105 is received by heatexchanger unit 106 at a temperature that is substantially equal to 140degrees Fahrenheit, water 105 may exit heat exchanger 106 at atemperature that is substantially equal to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Adesign of heat exchanger unit 106 incorporating a counter flow designfor the flow of water and air may be preferred to provide maximum heatexchange between the fluids.

As depicted in FIG. 1, a hose 118 may be used to transport water 105from heat exchanger unit 106, in certain embodiments. Accordingly, afirst end of hose 118 may couple to heat exchanger unit 106, and asecond end of hose 118 may be positioned proximate a drain 120. At leastone of the respective ends of hose 118 may include “quick-connect”coupling to attach to heat exchanger unit 106. The diameter of hose 118may be selected to handle the volume of water being expelled by heatexchanger unit 106. For example, hose 118 may have a diameter within arange of approximately ¾ to 1 inch, in particular embodiments. It isgenerally recognized, however, hose 118 may be of any suitable diameterfor removing water 105 from system 100. Likewise, heat exchanger unit106 may include an outlet port of any size and configuration tofacilitate the coupling of hose 118 to heat exchanger unit 106.

In a particular embodiment, drain 120 may include the toilet. Forexample, the second end of hose 118 may be positioned inside the toiletsuch that water expelled by heat exchanger unit 106 is pushed down thetoilet and out of affected area 102. In other embodiments, drain 120 mayinclude any one of a sink drain, shower drain, bathtub drain, or a floordrain. In still other embodiments, drain 120 could include an openwindow. Thus, though the term “drain” is used, the term refers to anymechanism for removing water 105 from the system. In certainembodiments, the second end of hose 118 may be adapted for or connectedto a device to insure that the second end of hose 118 remains inposition relative to drain 120 to prevent hose 118 from becomingdislodged and causing water damage to affected area 102.

Some items or areas within affected area 102 may be considered hard toheat areas. Such items or areas may include items stored in closets anddrawers. Large soft items such as couch cushions and mattresses may alsobe considered hard-to-heat items. Hard-to-heat items may not reach thetemperature required to kill the bed bugs or other pests during thetreatment process unless adequate steps are taken to ensure complete andthorough heating. Accordingly, additional measures may be taken toensure thorough distribution of heat through affected area 102 and itsinfested contents, in some instances.

As one example, heat from the hoses carrying water 105 may betransferred to hard-to-heat areas and items. Specifically, one or moreof hose 114 and/or hose 118 may be coiled in a pile. The coiled hose 114or 118 may be placed in a hard-to-heat area such as a closet or acorner. The hoses 114 and 118, which transport hot water 105 maytransfer heat that may be used to elevate the temperature of a portionof affected area 102 that might otherwise not reach the desiredtemperature. Since hose 114 may transport water at a higher temperaturethan hose 118, hose 114 may be especially effective in providingadditional thermal energy to hard-to-heat areas.

It is also recognized that tightly packed contents within affected area102 may be resistant to being heated completely throughout. This may beparticularly true for the contents within closets and drawers. Forexample, items hung on hangers that are closely packed together may beheated to the desired temperature on some exposed surfaces but thecenters of such items may not reach temperatures required to kill anybugs or other pests located on such items. To ensure thorough heating,the items within closets or other tight spaces may be separated suchthat each item may be sufficiently enveloped in the heat emitted fromsystem 100. Similarly, stacked articles such as clothing or towels maybe separated so that the items do not touch one another. As a result,heated air may more readily circulate around and through the items.

As another example, furniture may be positioned at least six to 12inches away from walls to facilitate air flow into the furniture andthrough the room. Additionally, the cushions from a couch may be removedand separated. Mattresses and box springs may be separated from oneanother and turned on their sides and propped against each other to forman upside down “V”. Positioning the mattress and box springs in thismanner facilitates air flow across the surfaces having the most surfacearea.

In some instances, merely separating the items may not ensure thoroughand complete heating of the articles. A more effective method forproviding thorough and complete treatment of the items may includeplacing the items directly on the hoses 114 and 118 that are used totransport water 105. Accordingly, items may be removed from closets anddrawers in some instances. Likewise, items that are stacked or piled maybe separated. The items from the closets, drawers, and piles may then beplaced on top of hoses 114 and 118. As just one example, the cushionsfrom a couch or other piece of furniture may be removed and placed onthe hoses. Heat may then be transferred directly through the hoses intothe couch cushions or other articles. Bed bugs or other pests that haveinfested the couch cushions may be killed when the couch cushions absorbenough heat from the hose to raise the internal temperature of the couchcushion to a temperature greater than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Additionally or alternatively, a person responsible for performing thetreatment of affected area 102 may enter the affected area 102 andrearrange hard-to-treat items midway through the treatment process.Stated differently, a person may enter the affected area 102 andspecifically expose its contents to the high temperature ambient air inthe affected area 102. For example, midway through the treatmentprocess, the person may individually expose articles such as clothing,pillows, bedding, towels, and other soft items to the high temperatureambient air. Where the ambient air in affected area 102 has reached therequired temperature for killing the bed bugs or other pests, exposingthe items to the high temperature ambient air may increase the internaltemperature of the item to a level sufficient to rid the item of the bedbugs or other insects.

Various modifications may be made to system 100. For example, thoughtarget temperatures of at least 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit aredescribed above, these are merely examples of suitable temperatures thatmay be used to effectively rid an affected area 102 of a bed bug orother insect infestation. Additionally, although water source 104 isdescribed as including a preexisting water source within enclosed area102, it is generally recognized that any source of hot water may be usedin conjunction with the system 100 depicted in FIG. 1. Likewise, thoughwater is described as providing the heat source for system 100, it isrecognized that ethylene glycol, a combination of water and ethyleneglycol, or any other fluid appropriate for convective heat transfer maybe used.

As still another example modification to system 100, it is recognizedthat it multiple heat exchanger units 106 and electric heaters 110 mayimprove the efficiency and effectiveness of system 100, in certainembodiments. For example, the number of heat exchanger units 106 andelectric heaters 110 provided in an affected area 102 may depend uponthe square feet to be treated and/or the volume or flow rate of water105 that is provided by faucet 104. Other factors, such as whether theaffected area 102 is above or below grade and whether the affected area102 is cluttered with an excessive amount of contents, may also affectthe number of heat exchanger units 106 and electric heaters 110 thatshould be included in system 100.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example method 300 for pest control, according tocertain embodiments. The method begins with the preparation of theaffected area at step 302. In a particular embodiment, preparing theaffected area 102 may include capping any sprinkler heads withinsulating caps. Insulating caps may include a hollow,modified-hemispherical shaped Styrofoam cover that is attached to thesprinkler head. In certain embodiments, dry-ice can be placed inside theinsulating cap to cool the sprinkler heads during the treatment processand further ensure that the sprinkler heads will not trigger during thetreatment process. Additionally, preparing the affected area may includeremoving heat sensitive contents from the infested area. Heat sensitivecontents may include any material, equipment, or other contents thatcould be harmed by temperatures that reach or exceed approximately 120degrees Fahrenheit. Items that fall within this category may be treatedseparately offsite.

At step 304, the equipment used in the treatment process is prepared.Preparation of the equipment may include positioning heat exchanger unit106 within the affected area 102. Additionally, preparing the equipmentmay include connecting a hose 114 to both of a faucet 104 and heatexchanger unit 106. Additionally, a hose 118 may be connected to heatexchanger unit 106 and then positioned proximate to a drain. Furtherpreparation of the equipment may include placing electric heater 110 andair mover 112 in the appropriate locations within affected area 102.Heat exchanger unit 106 and air movers 112 may then be plugged intoelectric supply 116 and powered on.

Additional preparations may include the placement of one or moreinfrared and/or wireless thermometers within affected area 102. Forexample, infrared and/or wireless thermometers may be placed in the moreinsulated areas that are harder to thoroughly heat. For example, thethermometers may be placed in corners where poor air flow isanticipated. The thermometers may also be placed under furniture orunder stacks of clothing or other soft articles. In certain embodiments,wireless thermometers may communicate wirelessly with one or morecomputers or other control centers. Wireless data-logging software maybe used to record the internal temperature of affected area 102 bothprior to and during the treatment process.

At step 306, water 105 is supplied to heat exchanger unit 106.Specifically, and as described above, a faucet 104 may be turned to thehottest setting. Faucet 104 may also be turned on at full volume. Thehot water 105 may then be transported from faucet 104 to heat exchangerunit 106. Heat exchanger unit 106 operates to hydronically heat theambient air in the affected area 102, at step 308. Specifically, heatexchanger unit 106 may operate to increase the temperature of ambientair within affected area 102. In a particular embodiment, the heatexchanger unit 106 may transfer the heat in water 105 to the ambient airthat is blown through heat exchanger unit 106.

In certain embodiments, heat exchanger unit 106 receives water 105 at afirst temperature that may be equal to or greater than 120 degreesFahrenheit. In contrast, the ambient air 208 may be received by heatexchanger unit 106 at a second temperature. At the beginning of thetreatment process, the temperature of ambient air 208 that is receivedby heat exchanger unit 106 may be substantially equal to normal roomtemperature. The temperature difference between water 105 at the firsttemperature and ambient air 208 results in heat transfer from water 105to ambient air 208 as it is blown through heat exchanger unit 106.

At step 310, the air emitted by heat exchanger unit 106 is electricallyheated. In certain embodiments, an electrical resistance heater may beused to further increase the temperature of the ambient air withinaffected area 102. Electric heater 110 may operate to “boost” or“amplify” the heat generated by heat exchanger unit 106. One or more airmovers 112 may then be used to promote the distribution of heated airthat is emitted by one or both of heat exchanger unit 106 and electricheater 110. The heated air may be cycled through the room and may bereturned to heat exchanger unit 106 where it is again pushed throughheat exchanger unit 106 to result in a further increase in thetemperature of the air. Air may be circulated through system 100 in thismanner until the combination of heat exchanger unit 106 and electricheater 110 results in the temperature of the ambient air being raised toa target temperature greater than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

At step 312, the temperatures of the ambient air in affected area 102and/or the temperature of water 105 may be monitored. For example,thermostats, infrared thermometers, and/or wireless thermometers may beused to determine the temperature of water 105 supplied to heatexchanger unit 106 and/or the temperature of the air within affectedarea 102. The temperature of water 105 may be measured as it is leavingfaucet 104, as it is entering or exiting heat exchanger unit 106, or atany other point prior to exiting system 100. The temperature of ambientair may be measured as it is entering heat exchanger unit 106, as it isleaving heat exchanger unit 106, as it is entering electric heater 110,as it is exiting electric heater 110, or at any location within affectedarea 102.

In a particular embodiment, heat exchanger unit 106 may include athermostatic control allowing a user to set a desired temperature levelfor the air being received by heat exchanger unit 106. In otherembodiments, the thermostatic control may be remote from the heatexchanger unit 106 such that the temperature of a specific portion ofaffected area 102 to be monitored and controlled. Additionally oralternatively, multiple thermometers or thermostatic controls may beprovided at multiple locations within affected area 102 to allow thedifferent components of system 100 to be controlled separately. One ormore of the thermostats, thermometers, or controls may act as a “highlimit” to prevent overheating of temperature sensitive regions withaffected area 102. The monitoring of the temperatures of water 105 andair may be continuous, periodic, or as demanded.

At step 314, a determination may be made as to whether the temperatureof the ambient air is greater than the temperature of water 105. Such adetermination may be made continuously, periodically, or as demanded andmay be appropriate where the desired target temperature for the affectedarea 102 is greater than the temperature of water 105 that is suppliedto heat exchanger unit 106. For example, such a determination may beappropriate where the temperature of water 105 is 120 degrees Fahrenheitbut a target temperature of greater of than 120 degrees Fahrenheit isdesired for the ambient air within affected area 102. As the temperatureof the ambient air within affected area 102 surpasses the temperature ofwater 105, the operation of heat exchanger unit 106 may actually becounterproductive since heat exchanger unit 106 generally operates totransfer heat from the hotter medium to the cooler medium. In such ascenario, operating heat exchanger unit 106 after the temperature of theair surpasses the temperature of fluid 105 may actually result in thetransfer of heat from the hotter air to water 105 rather than thecontinued heating of the ambient air.

If it is determined, at step 314, that the temperature of the air is notgreater than the temperature of water 105 being supplied to heatexchanger unit 106, the method returns to step 306. The supply of water105 to heat exchanger unit 106 is maintained, and the air ishydronically and electrically heated at steps 308 and 310, respectively.The method may continue in this manner cycling through steps 306 -314until a determination is made at step 314 that the temperature ofambient air is greater than the temperature of water 105 being suppliedto heat exchanger unit 105. At such time, the supply of water 105 toheat exchanger unit 106 may be stopped. For example, a personresponsible for performing the treatment may enter affected area 102 andturn off faucet 104 that is supplying water 105 to heat exchanger unit106. As another example, heat exchanger unit 106 may include a valvethat is automatically or manually closed to prevent the flow of water105 to heat exchanger unit 106 when the temperature of the ambient airexceeds that of water 105.

At step 318, the electric heating of the air is continued until thetemperature of ambient air reaches the target temperature. As describedabove, a target temperature that is greater than 120 degrees Fahrenheitmay be sufficient to kill bed bugs and other insects within affectedarea 102, in certain embodiments. However, a target temperature ofgreater than 140 degrees Fahrenheit may be desired to ensure that theentire area and its contents are thoroughly heated to a temperaturegreater than the minimum temperature required.

After the target temperature has been maintained for a sufficient amountof time to result in the killing of the bed bugs and/or other pests, ashut down of the equipment may be initiated at step 320. If water 105 isbeing supplied to heat exchanger unit 106, the flow of water 105 may bestopped. Heat exchanger unit 106 and electric heater 110 may be turnedoff. Any remaining water 105 in system 100 may be drained out of thesystem components and routed to drain 120. To initiate the cooling ofaffected area 102 and its contents, air mover 112 may be repositioned.For example, an air mover 112 may be used to blow the heated air out ofaffected area 102. Additionally or alternatively, an air mover 112 maybe positioned to blow cooler air into the affected area 102.

In certain embodiments, the flow of water 105 may be maintained.However, the temperature of the water may be adjusted. By switching thefaucet 104 to cold water, for example, hose 114 can deliver cold water105 to heat exchanger unit 106 transferring heat from the ambient air tothe water 105. This may cool the affected area more quickly if theheated air can not be easily exhausted from the affected area. Hoses 114and 118 may be removed when they have cooled enough to be comfortablyhandled. Finally, the equipment may be removed from affected area 102,and the contents of affected area 102 may then be returned to theiroriginal places.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example heat pump system 400 for pest control,according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In general,system 400 includes equipment and components for heating at least aportion of an affected area 402 and its contents to a temperaturesufficient to kill bed bugs and other insects that inhabit the affectedarea 402. Similar to system 100 that is described above with regard toFIG. 1, the components of system 400 cooperate to increase thetemperature of affected area 402 and the contents contained therein toresult in killing bed bugs and other insects or pests. In certainembodiments, for example, the temperature of affected area 402 may beincreased to a temperature that is substantially equal to or greaterthan 120 degrees Fahrenheit. In a particular embodiment, the temperatureof affected area 402 may be increased to a temperature that is equal toor greater than 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Similar to system 100 described above, a water source 404 provides asupply of water 405 via one or more hoses to a heat exchanger unit 406within the affected area 402. Faucet 404, water 405, and heat exchangerunit 406 may be substantially similar to faucet 104, water 105, and heatexchanger unit 106 described above. As such, those components are notdescribed in detail with respect to FIG. 4. However, because a system400 incorporating heat pump 408 may more efficiently and moreeffectively increase the temperature of the ambient air of affected area402 than a system without heat pump 408, the temperature of water 405entering system 400 may be lower than that described above. For example,water 405 may be received by system 400 at a temperature that issubstantially equal to or greater than 45 degrees Fahrenheit, in certainembodiments.

Additionally, whereas water 105 exiting heat exchanger unit 106 isdirected out of system 100, water 405 is directed to a heat pump 408after exiting heat exchanger unit 406. Likewise, whereas heated air 108exiting heat exchanger unit 106 is directed to a electric heater 110,heated air 410 is directed to heat pump 408, which is then used tofurther increase the temperature in heated air 410.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example heat pump unit 408 for use in conjunctionwith the heat pump system 400 depicted in FIG. 4, according to certainembodiments. As depicted, heat pump unit 408 includes an evaporatorcomponent 502, a condenser component 504, a compressor 506, and anexpansion device 508. Evaporator component 502 operates to transfer theheat within water 105 to refrigerant 510. The heat within refrigerant510 is then transferred to air that is blown through condenser component504. In this manner, heat pump 408 may be used to “boost” or “amplify”the heat generated by heat exchanger unit 406. As a result , thetemperature of the ambient air in affected area 402 may be moreefficiently and more effectively brought up to the target temperature.

In certain embodiments, heat pump 408 may operate to produce up to threetimes more heat than a system such as system 100 that does not have aheat pump 408 and relies solely on a heat exchanger unit and anelectrical heater for the generation of heat. Stated differently,whereas an electrical heater that is powered by a 115 V electricaloutlet may generate only 4500 BTUs of heat, heat pump that is powered bythe same electrical outlet may generate approximately 15,000 BTUs ofheat.

Specifically, water 405 is received by heat pump 408 via a supply line512. The heated water 405 is received at a first temperature and iscirculated through evaporator component 502. Evaporator component 502operates to transfer heat from water 405 to a refrigerant 510 that isreceived from the expansion device 508. Specifically, refrigerant 510enters evaporator component 502 while in a liquid state. While inevaporator component 502, refrigerant 510 absorbs heat from water 405.As a result, refrigerant 510 is transformed from a liquid state to avapor state. The vaporous refrigerant 510 is then directed to thecompressor 506.

The compressor 506 compresses the refrigerant 510 to a highertemperature and pressure. Condenser component 504 is configured totransfer heat from the vaporous refrigerant 510 to air that is flowingthrough condenser component 504. In certain embodiments, condensercomponent 504 receives air 410 emitted by heat exchanger unit 406 andoperates to further increase the temperature of the air 410 bytransferring the heat from the vaporous refrigerant 510 to air 410. Asthe heat is transferred from refrigerant 510 to air 410, refrigerant 510again undergoes a state change. Specifically, the refrigerant 510 may betransformed from the vapor state to the liquid state. The air is thenemitted from heat pump 408. The liquid refrigerant 510 is returned tothe expansion device 508. A compressor 506 may operate to cycle therefrigerant 510 through heat pump 408.

Some heat pump designs may not tolerate water temperatures above apredefined limit. For example, some heat pump designs may not toleratewater temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If the evaporatortemperature becomes too high, compressor 506 may overheat and stopfunctioning. In order to prevent this failure, heat pump 408 may includesensors and/or controls for protecting the compressor 506 from overloadin certain embodiments. The sensors and controls may operate to monitorand control the flow rate and the temperature of water entering theevaporator component 502 of heat pump 408. Though the sensors andcontrols may be integrated as part of heat pump 408, it is recognizedthat the sensors and controls may be an external device in certainembodiments.

In a particular embodiment, for example, heat pump 408 may include amechanical or electronic water tempering valve or a thermostatic mixingvalve. The tempering valve may be operated mechanically orelectronically and may used to maintain the temperature of water withina predefined operating range. In certain embodiments, the temperingvalve may include two quick-connect or other connections for receivingboth hot and cold water through two respective hoses. The temperingvalve may then mix the hot and cold water from the two supplies tomaintain a specified output water temperature. The specified outputwater temperature may be adjustable by a user or it may be fixed, asdesired. The mixed hot and cold water may be directed to a suitabledrain after it leaves heat pump 408.

As an alternative to a water tempering valve or in addition to a watertempering valve, one or more sensors or controls may be used to preventthe evaporator component 502 from failing. For example, the sensors orcontrols may be used to maintain the temperature of the heat pumpevaporator component 502 within a specified range by controlling thewater flow rate provided to heat pump 408. In particular embodiments,the valve or metering device may include an electrical or mechanicalvalve that may be adjustable by a user or fixed, as desired. Because thevalve or metering device that controls the flow rate does not require aconnection to a cold water supply in addition to the hot water supplyconnection previously described, this mechanism for preventing heat pumpfailure may be preferred to a water tempering valve, in certainembodiments where the structure has a limited number of fixtures.

The heat pump 408 may include a mechanism for selectively controllingthe operation of compressor 506 in response to the temperature of water405. For example, the control may result in the reduction of compressorcapacity or a complete powering down of compressor 506 when thetemperature of water 405 becomes too low, in certain embodiments.

Returning to FIG. 4, water 405 exits heat pump 408 via a hose or otherdrain line 414. Hose 414 may be used to transport water 405 out ofsystem 400, in certain embodiments. Accordingly, a first end of hose 414may couple to heat pump 408, and a second end of hose 414 may bepositioned proximate a drain 416. Similar to drain 120 of system 100,drain 416 may include a toilet, in a particular embodiment. Thus, thesecond end of hose 414 may be positioned inside the toilet such thatwater expelled by heat pump 408 is pushed down the toilet and out ofaffected area 402. In other embodiments, drain 416 may include any oneof a sink drain, shower drain, bathtub drain, or a floor drain. In stillother embodiments, drain 416 could include an open window or otheroutlet. Thus, though the term “drain” is used, the term refers to anymechanism for removing water 405 from system 400.

In certain embodiments, at least one of the respective ends of hose 414may include “quick-connect” coupling to attach to heat pump 408. Thediameter of hose 414 may be selected to handle the volume of water beingexpelled by heat pump 408. For example, hose 414 may have a diameterwithin a range of approximately ¾ to 1 inch, in particular embodiments.It is generally recognized, however, hose 414 may be of any suitablediameter for removing water 405 from system 400. Likewise, heat pump 408may include an outlet port of any size and configuration to facilitatethe coupling of hose 414 to heat pump 408.

As depicted, system 400 includes an electric heater 412 as an additionalheat source. System 400 is also illustrated as including an air mover418 to promote circulation of air emitted by any one of heat exchangerunit 406, heat pump 408 and electric heater 412. Electric heater 412 andair mover 418 may be substantially similar to electric heater 110 andair mover 112 described above. As such, electric heater 412 and airmover 418 are not described in detail with respect to FIG. 4. It isrecognized, however, that system 400 may include any appropriate numberof electric heaters 412 and air movers 418. Such electric heaters 412and air movers 418 may be arranged in series or in parallel. It isfurther recognized that electric heater 412 and air mover 418 may beconsidered optional components that may be omitted from system 400, incertain embodiments.

Various other modifications may be additionally or alternatively made tosystem 400. For example, though system 400 is described as including asingle heat exchanger unit 406 and a single heat pump 408, system 400may include any appropriate number of heat exchanger units 406 and heatpumps 408 for emitting heat to raise the temperature of the ambient airto the target temperature. Where multiple heat exchanger units are used,the heat exchanger units may be arranged in series or in parallel. Thus,water from faucet 404 may be directed to multiple heat exchanger unitsin parallel. Alternatively, water from faucet 404 may be directed to themultiple heat exchanger units in series. Likewise, where multiple heatpumps are used, the heat pumps may be arranged in series or in parallelwith regard to the air stream. As still a further modification, waterfrom faucet 404 may be directed to heat exchanger unit 406 and heat pump408 in parallel rather than in series as shown.

As another example modification, though system 400 is described asincluding heat exchanger unit 406, this component may also be omittedfrom system 400 in certain embodiments. In some embodiments, heatexchanger unit 406 may be sufficient by itself to thoroughly heat theaffected area 402 to the target temperature. Thus, where the temperatureof water 405 is high enough and where heat pump 408 operates toefficiently and effectively increase the temperature of ambient air inaffected area 402 to the target temperature, heat exchanger unit 406 maybe omitted from system 400. In such an embodiment, water 405 may betransported directly from faucet 404 to heat pump 408. Heat pump 408 maythen operate to first transfer the heat within water 405 to refrigerant510 and then transfer the heat within refrigerant 510 to the ambientair. As another example modification, though the target temperature ofaffected area 402 may be a temperature that is greater than 120 degreesFahrenheit, this is merely one example of a suitable temperature thatmay be used to effectively rid an affected area 402 of a bed bug orother insect infestation.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example heat pump method 600 for pest control,according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The methodbegins with the preparation of the affected area at step 602. Asdescribed above, preparing the affected area 402 may include capping anysprinkler heads with insulating caps. Additionally, preparing theaffected area 402 may include removing heat sensitive contents from theaffected area 402. Heat sensitive contents may include any material,equipment, or other contents that could be harmed by temperatures thatreach or exceed approximately 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Items that fallwithin this category may be treated separately offsite.

At step 604, the equipment used in the treatment process is prepared.Preparation of the equipment may include positioning heat exchanger unit406 and heat pump 408 within the affected area 402. Additionally,preparing the equipment may include connecting a hose to a faucet 404and at least one of heat exchanger unit 406 and heat pump 408.Additionally, a hose 414 may be connected to heat pump 408 and thenpositioned proximate to drain 416. Further preparation of the equipmentmay include placing electric heater 412 and air mover 418 in theappropriate locations within affected area 402. Heat exchanger unit 406,heat pump 408, electric heaters 412, and air movers 418 may then beplugged into an electric supply and powered on.

Additional preparations may include the placement of one or moreinfrared and/or wireless thermometers within affected area 402. Forexample, infrared and/or wireless thermometers may be placed in the moreinsulated areas that are harder to thoroughly heat. For example, thethermometers may be placed in corners where poor air flow isanticipated. The thermometers may also be placed under furniture orunder stacks of clothing or other soft articles. In certain embodiments,wireless thermometers may communicate wirelessly with one or morecomputers or other control centers. Wireless data-logging software maybe used to record the internal temperature of affected area 402 bothprior to and during the treatment process.

At step 606, water 405 is supplied to one or both of heat exchanger unit406 and heat pump 408. Specifically, and as described above, a faucet404 may be turned to the hottest setting and turned on at the fullestvolume. The hot water 405 may then be transported from faucet 404 to oneor both of heat exchanger unit 406 and heat pump 408. As describedabove, heat exchanger unit 406 operates to hydronically heat the ambientair in the affected area 402, at step 608. Specifically, heat exchangerunit 406 may operate to increase the temperature of ambient air withinaffected area 402. In a particular embodiment, the heat exchanger unit406 may transfer the heat in water 405 to the ambient air that is blownthrough heat exchanger unit 406.

In certain embodiments, heat exchanger unit 406 receives water 405 at afirst temperature that may be equal to or greater than 45 degreesFahrenheit. In contrast, the ambient air may be received by heatexchanger unit 406 at a second temperature. At the beginning of thetreatment process, the temperature of ambient air that is received byheat exchanger unit 406 may be substantially equal to normal roomtemperature. In certain embodiments, the temperature difference betweenwater 405 at the first temperature and the ambient air results in heattransfer from water 405 to the ambient air as it is blown through heatexchanger unit 406.

At step 610, heat pump 408 is used to amplify or boost the heatgenerated by heat exchanger unit 406. Specifically, heat pump 408 mayreceive water 405 after it is expelled by heat exchanger unit 406. Thewater may be received by heat pump 408 at a temperature that is slightlyless than the temperature at which the water 405 was received by heatexchanger unit 406. For example, the water 405 may be received by heatpump 408 at a temperature that is approximately ten degrees less thanthe temperature at which water 405 was received by heat exchanger unit406. Similar to heat exchanger 406, heat pump 408 may further transferthe heat within water 405 to air being blown through heat pump 408.Specifically, evaporator component 502 may transfer the heat withinwater 405 to refrigerant 510. A condenser component 504 may thentransfer the heat within the refrigerant 510 to the air that is beingemitted by heat pump 408.

At step 612, the air emitted by heat pump 408 is electrically heated.For example, an electrical resistance heater may be used to furtherincrease the temperature of the ambient air within affected area 402.Electric heater 412 may operate to further increase the temperature ofthe air emitted by heat pump 408. One or more air movers 418 may then beused to promote the distribution of heated air that is emitted by heatexchanger unit 406, heat pump 408, and electric heater 412. The heatedair may be cycled through the affected area and may be returned to heatexchanger unit 406 and/or heat pump 408 where it is again pushed throughthe components of system 400 to result in a further increase in thetemperature of the air. Air may be circulated through system 400 in thismanner until at least one of heat exchanger unit 406, heat pump 408, andelectric heater 412 or some combination of these components results inthe temperature of the ambient air being raised to the targettemperature. As described above, a target temperature that is greaterthan 120 degrees Fahrenheit may be sufficient to kill bed bugs and otherinsects within affected area 402, in certain embodiments. In aparticular embodiment, however, a target temperature of greater than 140degrees Fahrenheit may be desired to ensure that the entire area and itscontents are thoroughly heated to a temperature greater than the minimumtemperature required. The equipment may be adjusted as needed until thetarget temperature is obtained. For example, equipment may berepositioned as needed to equalize the rate of heating across affectedarea 402. Additionally, where possible, the temperature of water 405 maybe increased if more heat is desired within affected area 402.

After the target temperature has been maintained for a sufficient amountof time to result in the killing of the bed bugs and/or other pests, ashut down of the equipment may be initiated at step 614. For example,the flow of water 405 may be stopped. Heat exchanger unit 406, heat pump408, and electric heater 412 may be turned off. Any remaining water 405in system 400 may be drained out of the system components and routed todrain 416. To initiate the cooling of affected area 402 and itscontents, air mover 418 may be repositioned. For example, an air mover418 may be used to blow the heated air out of affected area 402.Additionally or alternatively, an air mover 418 may be positioned toblow air that is outside affected area 402 into the affected area. Byswitching the faucet 404 to cold water, hose 420 can deliver cold water405 to heat exchanger unit 406 transferring heat from the ambient air tothe water 405. This will cool the affected area quickly if the heatedair can not be easily exhausted from the affected area. Any hosescoupling the system components may be removed when they have cooledenough to be comfortably handled. Finally, the equipment may be removedfrom affected area 402, and the contents of affected area 402 may thenbe returned to their original places.

Although the present invention has been described with severalembodiments, diverse changes, substitutions, variations, alterations,and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art, and it isintended that the invention encompass all such changes, substitutions,variations, alterations, and modifications as fall within the spirit andscope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for killing pests in an affected area ofa structure, comprising: positioning a heat pump unit within an affectedarea of the structure; coupling a first end of an inlet hose to afaucet; coupling a second end of the inlet hose to an inlet port of theheat pump unit, the inlet port supplying a flow of water received fromthe faucet to an evaporator component of the heat pump unit, theevaporator component operable to: transfer heat from the flow of waterto a refrigerant; communicate the refrigerant to a condenser componentof the heat pump unit, the condenser component configured to generateheated air by transferring heat from the refrigerant fluid to airflowing through the condenser component, the heated air being emittedinto the affected area in order to raise the temperature of the affectedarea to a target temperature greater than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein: while the refrigerant is in the evaporatorcomponent of the heat pump unit, the refrigerant absorbs heat from theflow of water as the refrigerant changes from a liquid state to a vaporstate; and while the refrigerant is in the condenser component of theheat pump unit, the refrigerant diffuses heat to the air as therefrigerant changes from the vapor state to the liquid state.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising positioning at least one electricheater proximate to the heat pump unit, the at least one electric heateroperable to further heat the heated air emitted by the condensercomponent of the heat pump unit.
 4. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising positioning a heat exchanger unit between the faucet and theheat pump unit such that the flow of water passing through the inlethose passes through the heat exchanger unit prior to reaching the inletport of the heat pump unit, the heat exchanger unit operable to generateheated air by transferring heat from the water to air flowing throughthe heat exchanger unit, the heated air being directed to the heat pumpunit.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein, after the affected area istreated for pests, the heat exchanger unit is further configured togenerate cool air by transferring heat from the air flowing through theheat exchanger unit to the flow of water received from the faucet. 6.The method of claim 1, wherein the faucet comprises one of shower faucetand a sink faucet.
 7. The method of claim 3, wherein the flow of wateris supplied to the faucet by water heating unit for the structure, themethod further comprising setting a thermostat of the water heating unitsuch that a temperature of the flow of water received by the heat pumpunit is at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
 8. The method of claim 3,further comprising: coupling a first end of an outlet hose to an outletport of the heat pump unit; positioning a second end of the outlet hoseproximate to a drain such that the flow of water may leave the heat pumpunit via the outlet port and be discharged into the drain.
 9. The methodof claim 1, wherein the structure comprises an apartment building andthe affected area comprises an apartment.
 10. The method of claim 1,wherein the structure comprises a hotel and the affected area comprisesa hotel room.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising positioningan air mover proximate to the heat pump unit, the air mover beingconfigured to direct heated air emitted by the heat pump unit along thefloor of the affected area in order to prevent temperaturestratification.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising separatinga plurality of contaminated items within the affected area to ensurethat each contaminated item is heated throughout to the targettemperature.